You maybe wondering what are your home bar essentials and I have you covered.
Home Bar Liquor
On the top of the list of home bar essentials is liquor. There are 6 types of distilled spirits – vodka, brandy, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. But I am only going to recommend 4 out of the 6 for your home bar.
Vodka
One of the most used liquors for cocktail recipes. It’s clean, clear and versatile. You can make a two ingredient cocktail with it, have it only on the rocks or even infuse it with lavender.
Looking to add a flavor vodka? Go for a lemon, orange or vanilla vodka to add to your home bar.
Rum
A good home bar has two rum – light rum and dark rum. Depending on the drink a light rum or a dark rum is required. For example, mojito requires a light rum and hurricane requires a dark rum.
They say if you want to taste the rum go with dark rum. I can taste the rum either light or dark depending on the quality of rum. Comment below and let me know if you have a preference when it comes to taste of rum.
Tequila
Shots and margaritas are known basically because of tequila. However, it is clear and versatile. There are some many cocktails and so many margaritas flavors to try.
Tequila silver aka blanco is more used variation of tequila. If you want to level up you can reposado too to your home bar.
Whiskey
There are several types of whiskey. The type of a whiskey you most likely will want at your bar is bourbon. And just so you know – all bourbon is whiskey.
Bourbon is more versatile when it comes to cocktail recipes. With that being said if you find a whiskey that you prefer then stick your home bar with the whiskey you will most likely use.
Home Bar Mixers
Mixers are home bar essentials that that you should also have. There are so many mixers on the market that you can add to a home bar. But there are some that you will use more than others.
Aromatic Bitters
Bitters are alcohol infused with herbs, spices and botanicals. Aromatic are the most versatile bitters. The most prevalent brand of aromatic bitters is Angostura.
Orange Bitters
These bitters are flavored using orange peels for the citrus flavor and spices (cardamom, caraway and coriander). Orange bitters add a splash of flavor to your cocktails.
Grenadine
Grenadine is pomegranate syrup. You will use this in cocktails for its red color as well as its fruity flavor. Grenadine can be store bought or you can make it on your own.
Simple Syrup
You can buy simple syrup or you can make it. Simple syrup is just sugar and water. This syrup sweeten cocktails. Making it yourself can last you up to a month. Store bought simple syrup can last you longer.
Carbonated Drinks
There are a few basic carbonated drinks/sodas you can add to your bar – ginger ale, club soda, tonic water, coke and sprite.
Juices
Now, you do not have to have this on stock on your actually bar because they need to be cold. You can make a grocery store run before you start but if you want to make a few different drinks here are the juices – orange juice, cranberry juice and pineapple juice.
Drinkware
Making all these cocktails, what about glassware? I recommend –
- Old Fashioned (7 oz) glasses
- Martini ( 8 oz) glasses
- Coupe (5 oz) glasses
- Collins (10 oz) glasses
- shot glasses
Think something is missing that should be added to home bar essentials? Tell me in the comments.
[convertkit form=1534207]Related Posts
- The Basics
- Barware Essentials
[…] Home bar essentials […]